The New York Hippodrome was an enormous theater in New York City where spectacular sized performances were enacted from 1905 to 1939. On Sixth Avenue between West 43rd and West 44th Streets, it was called the world’s largest theatre by its builders and had a seating capacity of 5,300, with a 100 x 200 foot stage. The Hippodrome was built by Frederic Thompson and Elmer “Skip” Dundy, creators of Coney Island’s Luna Park. Purchased by The Shubert Organization in 1909 it played vaudeville and theatrical spectaculars, circuses, water shows, etc. The venue became the New York Hippodrome Cinema in 1932, and staged Billy Rose’s play “Jumbo” in 1935. The Hippodrome was also where Harry Houdini performed his Disappearing Elephant act. The theatre closed and was demolished in August 1939.